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Malaysia Tightens up on Unlicensed Poultry Slaughterhouses

MALAYSIA - Nearly 80 per cent of 2,000 poultry slaughterhouses in Malaysia are unlicensed and not registered with the Veterinary Services Department.

Agriculture and agro-based industry Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, said they were owned by small shops and the halal status was doubtful, reports Bernama.

"Hence, the ministry wants all state governments to enforce the Poultry Farming Enactment to ensure that all slaughterhouses are licensed and registered to enable the authorities to monitor their operations," he told reporters after attending a meeting with state executive councillors in-charge of agriculture last week.

Ismail Sabri said only two states, namely Terengganu and Penang had yet to promulgate the enactment.

"States armed with the enactment should enforce it to enable relevant authorities like the Islamic Development Department and the Veterinary Services Department to monitor the slaughterhouses and take action against errant ones," he said.

Meanwhile, Veterinary Services Department director-general, Datuk Dr Abd Aziz Jamaluddin, said errant slaughterhouses could be fined up to MYR2,000 while their premises could be closed.

The enforcement is aimed at ensuring the slaughtering of chicken, ducks, quails and turkey abides by Islamic principles, hygiene, and sewage management while the quality and halal status of the products are guaranteed.